“Don’t let my wife boss you around, Duchess,” Dalton said. “She tries to take the lead in everything.”
“Everything?” Charlotte asked. She stopped and turned to her husband. She batted her eyes at him, and then pursed her lips and made kissy noises.
A stab of jealousy spread through Clarissa, and quickly replaced the desire she’d felt just moments before. She’d always wanted to have the sort of relationship where they flirted with each other, even after they were married.
“Careful, Charlotte, or you’ll face the consequences.” Dalton tapped the end of her nose with his finger, and Charlotte giggled.
Clarissa was pretty sure she heard Charlotte whisper, “Promise?”
What could that be about, she wondered, but she didn’t ask.
“Charlotte, you’re wasting time,” Andrew said. He steered Clarissa toward the library area where they blended in with the many groups of people who were already searching in the halls. Clarissa looked for Belinda and Andrew’s friend Jonathan, but she didn’t see them anywhere. For her plan to work she needed to know where the hussy was at all times.
Her gaze swept the hallway one more time, again unsuccessfully.
“Do you have some clue as to where we should search?” Andrew asked her. “You seem to be searching for something. Did the duchess tell you where the large prize is?”
“No,” Clarissa answered. How could she tell him that she was looking for Belinda? She decided to keep that information to herself. “I’m just wondering what is in the boxes. Let’s search for them.”
“Yes, let’s,” Charlotte said as she turned to them. “I’m looking forward to taking some trinkets home.”
She took Clarissa’s hand and they all but skipped toward the library. Charlotte giggled, and Clarissa couldn’t help but join in. She hadn’t had this much fun in years. They entered the library and the first thing that Clarissa saw was Belinda and Jonathan. They were with a couple she didn’t recognize.
Now was the time to feign an illness and go upstairs to search Belinda’s room. But she had a feeling if she tried to go that Andrew would want to accompany her. No, she needed to get away without him knowing, and that would not be easy to do.
“Over here,” Charlotte said. They went to a bookcase where they found two small, white wrapped packages, one containing a locket, and the other a small pendant.
More people poured into the room. “I say we go to the gardens,” Andrew said.
“The gardens will be crowded, and the items will be in full view,” Clarissa said. “What about the maze?”
The rooms were crowded and Andrew suggested that they make their way to the gardens, or the maze.
“I like the idea of the maze,” Clarissa said. “I have a feeling the maze would be the perfect place to hide the bigger items. Plus, I think many people would avoid it, because it might prove to be too much of a challenge.”
“I love a challenge,” Andrew said. The smirk on his face told her she was the challenge he was talking about, and she fought against the feelings that had been coming and going since they’d met.
“Hunt first, flirt later,” Charlotte said with a laugh. They moved toward the maze and found the entrance blocked with four couples.
“The parlor,” Charlotte said. They went back towards the house, and as they made their way into the house, Clarissa found herself enjoying the hunt, despite the fact that she knew the clock was moving forward. Dalton and Charlotte were wonderful people, both lively and fun to be around. They laughed and playfully pushed at each other, and, once again, Clarissa wanted this to be her. Maybe when this was all over she would try and form a relationship with Andrew. But until then, she needed to stay focused.
When they’d found their sixth item, Clarissa knew it was now or never. Andrew, Charlotte and Dalton were laughing about the book of naughty poems they’d just found. Clarissa picked up her skirts and moved silently toward the stairs. Once she’d cleared the top of the landing she picked up her speed, turning left toward the room where she knew Lady Strauss was housed. Four doors down on the left, she glanced around to see if she was being watched. When she didn’t see anyone she turned the knob, partly expecting the door to be locked. But it wasn’t, and she pushed it open. She waited for a servant to ask what was wrong, what she was doing there.
When no one spoke she went inside and surveyed the room. It was a mess. Lady Strauss’ gowns were lying about, as if the woman had tried on several different changes of clothing before deciding on what she was now wearing.
Clarissa shook her head, partly in dismay and partly in disgust. If Sally had left such a mess she would have her replaced. Clarissa quickly moved toward the drawers. She had to move quickly, before Andrew figured out that she was no longer with them. When she returned, and he asked where she’d been, she’d say she had to visit the necessary room.
She opened the top drawer of the bureau and frowned at the stockings and ribbons inside. A quick feel showed there was nothing else inside. The rest of the drawers in the bureau all contained similar clothing items.
Next, Clarissa moved toward the table near the bed. Opening the top drawer she smiled as she spied several necklaces and rings. She lifted them out one at a time. At least the necklaces were laid out in an orderly fashion. As were the rings. But what she wanted wasn’t there. She was so intent on what she was doing that she didn’t hear the door open and close.
“Please tell me that you’re not a common jewel thief. Because I would find that very disappointing.”
Clarissa stiffened at Andrew’s tone. She turned to find him standing near the end of the bed, his hands on his hips.
“What are you doing here?”
“I could ask you the same question. I’m sure that Lady Strauss did not invite you to rifle through her things while she was participating in the scavenger hunt.”
“Did you follow me, Lord Beaton? How dare you!” Clarissa straightened her shoulders, the better to bluff her way through a very bad situation.
“I did indeed, Your Grace.” She wasn’t surprised to see him take the same stance as her, his shoulders thrown back, his gaze harsh. “I tend to take it personally when a beautiful woman leaves my presence without telling me where she is going or why she is leaving.”
“This is none of your affair. I will ask you to mind your own business. Please leave me be.”
“It is my affair if you are stealing from the other guests,” he said. “I don’t know you. You’re beautiful, but thieves can be breathtaking.”
“I am not a thief,” she said. “But Belinda is. Or rather my husband was.”
She stomped her foot and looked around. She was breathing heavily, her chest rising up and down as she fought to come up with a reason for what she was doing. She hadn’t planned on getting caught. Her act of bravado wasn’t working. Andrew still stood near the bed, a scowl on his face, his arms crossed across his massive chest.
“Please. Can we just go downstairs?”
“Not without an explanation.”
“We cannot stay in here any longer. We run the risk of that witch coming upstairs and catching us. Please, Andrew.” She sighed heavily. “Every moment we waste means we might be caught.”
His scowl deepened and for a moment Clarissa was afraid he was going to call for the duke.
“Andrew, I am begging you. I will tell you everything but we must go, now.”
When he nodded and offered his hand she let out the breath she had been holding.
“We will go to your room. I want to know exactly what you are doing, and why. Or else I will turn you over to the Stanhopes.” His voice was deep with anger. “I may be a rake, Clarissa, but I will not allow a thief to go unpunished.”
“Oh, very well, I will tell you everything.” She took his hand and headed toward the door. “But let’s hurry.”
They scurried toward the door and Clarissa damned her luck. She had enjoyed meeting Andrew, and she knew that this would ruin any chance of a friendsh
ip between them.
She stood behind him as he opened the door, checked the hallway and then led her outside.
“Which way?”
She pointed him toward her room and they walked fast, opening the door and pushing him inside before closing it quickly. The last thing she needed was for someone to see the two of them going into her room before everyone had retired for the evening. Her reputation would be ruined.
Andrew crossed to the chair in front of the fireplace, sat down and indicated the one across from him.
“Please begin,” he said after she was seated.
“I am sure you know, as everyone did, that Lady Strauss was my husband’s mistress.”
“Yes, I’m sorry about that. If it’s any consolation to you, I think your husband made the wrong choice.”
Clarissa blushed. “Thank you. What many people do not know is that my husband was broke when I married him. The only thing he brought to the marriage was his charm, which fooled me, and his lands, which were heavily mortgaged.”
“I had no idea.”
“Taylor managed to fool everyone. Even me. He convinced me he loved me, and I fell desperately in love with him. When he offered for my hand I accepted, and I pressured my father to accept the match, even after he found out what desperate straits Taylor was in.”
“Love can be blind.”
“Well, I can assure you it won’t happen with me again.” Clarissa looked away, and then took a deep breath. “A month after the marriage I found out about Lady Strauss. She and my husband had been involved for years. But since she lived in London, and I in Bath, I didn’t cross paths with her. My mother told me that it was something I would have to live with.”
“Then my jewelry started disappearing. A necklace here, a ring there. All of them heirlooms that had been in my family for generations. He was taking my things and giving them to that bitch!”
Clarissa’s hands flew to her mouth when the last word flew out. “Forgive me.”
Andrew laughed. “I think it’s quite all right, Clarissa. I can understand now what you were doing. You were looking for your jewelry. And I would say that you were justified in wanting your property back. I can’t, however, say you were justified in the manner to which you went about it. You should have contacted a solicitor and asked him to get your things back.”
“If I did that, my father would find out that everything was gone. He has already berated me repeatedly for my bad choices. This would only make it worse.”
Clarissa stared at Andrew as he looked into the fire. “Did you find what you were looking for?” he asked. For a moment, she thought he actually cared.
“No. I thought she would bring such valuable jewelry with her instead of leaving it in London. I guess I was wrong.”
Clarissa was near tears. She fought them back and stared at the striking lord.
“I can help you, Clarissa.”
She stared at him. “Why would you do that?”
“Because I think I’ve made it very obvious that I like you.” He winked at her and she couldn’t help but smile. “I don’t want you doing something stupid that will land you in trouble. Will you accept my help?”
She entwined her fingers under her chin and stared at him. It was obvious to her, after her failure, that she would need help to get her valuables back. And the help of a good-looking lord could prove entertaining, as well as useful.
“And if I accept?”
“Then you will allow me to guide you through what needs to be done to recover the jewelry.”
“Very well. I accept.”
“Good. There is just one more matter.”
“And that is?” She gasped. “You’re going to turn me into the Stanhopes? I thought you were going to help me!” Clarissa’s voice took on a stringent note.
“I am, Clarissa,” he said. He sounded so sincere.
“Please don’t tell me you’re going to demand I come to your bed as payment for your help,” she said. “If you are thinking of that it makes you more than a rake, as you called yourself. It makes you an asshole.”
She knew she shouldn’t use words like that, but he didn’t even flinch.
“I would never demand sex for payment,” he said. “I will seduce you when the time is right. However, the one matter is that you will obey me. You will let me take the lead.”
“These are my things we are discussing,” she said through gritted teeth. She wanted to tell him that he was just like every man she had ever had in her life, wanting to take charge and make her do as she was told. She would not allow him to take charge of her life when she did not know him. “You will not force me out of this.”
“Have you ever been part of an investigation?” he asked.
“No,” she said.
“I have, and with my friends I have taken part in several schemes that helped solve problems.”
“Truly?” She shook her head. “That sounds a bit too easy to me. I don’t think you and your friends know how to do anything.”
“You’re very distrusting,” he said.
“I learned from Taylor that people can say one thing and mean something totally different.” She sat back in her chair and looked toward the fireplace. “What if you are close with Belinda?” She turned her gaze back to him. “Did you follow me to her room because she asked you to?”
“I swear to you that I am not in cahoots with Belinda.”
She wanted to believe him, but it was so hard.
“I will make a deal with you, Andrew,” she said. “If you prove to me that you can be trusted, I will take your recommendations about the recovery of my jewelry to heart.”
“How would you like me to earn your trust?” he asked.
“That is up to you,” she said. “If I give you directions I know you will just be following them. You think of something that will prove you are worthy, and I make the decision.”
“It’s a bit like the scavenger hunt, isn’t it?” he asked.
“Make of it what you will,” Clarissa said as she stood up.
“I will.” He stood up too, and then, to her surprise, he gathered her in his arms and he kissed her.
Chapter 3
His lips were soft yet demanding, and Clarissa relaxed into his arms. It reminded her of the kisses she’d shared with Taylor before they were married, when he was trying to convince her that he loved her. Before he died she’d told him that he should go on the stage, because he’d been so good at lying and acting like he gave a damn about her.
When the kiss broke she pushed back from him. “You shouldn’t have done that.”
“It was either that or take you over my knee,” he said. “You need a good spanking for the hair-brained scheme you’ve put into motion.”
“May I remind you, Andrew, that this is none of your affair.”
He grabbed her once more and she tensed, until he claimed her lips one more time. This time he gently increased the pressure on her lips. Taylor had never kissed her this way, and it was wonderfully erotic to her. She cocked her head just a little and he gently pressed forward.
Andrew’s touch made her body heat with need. She knew this feeling, because she’d had it for Taylor when they’d first married. The kiss broke; he pulled her close and kissed her again. When he ran his hand up her side and made to cup her breast she pushed away and sat back down in her chair—actually fell back into her chair.
“You shouldn’t have done that,” she said.
“I believe you’ve said that before,” he said as he took his place opposite her. “As I said it was either kiss you, or spank you.”
“I don’t like your choices.” Clarissa’s hands shook. She clasped them in her lap and stared at Andrew. He was sitting with his legs stretched before him and crossed at the ankle. He looked very dangerous.
She must have looked frightened because he said, “I’m not going to spank you, Clarissa. But you shouldn’t have searched Belinda’s room. If you’d been caught they might have thrown you in prison.
Lady Strauss would love that.”
“I had this planned to the letter.” She pulled on her thumb, something she did when she was nervous. “Plus, they would not send me to prison. I would tell them some story about trying to get revenge on her for sleeping with my husband.”
“That might work.” He licked his lips, and she couldn’t help but remember what it felt and tasted like to kiss him. “But you obviously didn’t plan enough, since I found you moments after you left the main room.”
Clarissa couldn’t counter that. He was right. He’d found her minutes after she’d started her search. But that didn’t mean he had authority over her person.
“We need to talk about the situation, but right now, we need to go back downstairs and act as if nothing has happened. We’ll go down together. That way we can say we were taking part in the Scavenger Hunt and we don’t look guilty. Make sure to leave your door unlocked tonight.”
Clarissa stood, her hands balled at her sides. “I’ll do no such thing.”
Andrew stood close to her. She lifted her gaze to his and felt the bottom of her stomach hit the floor. There was no anger in his eyes. Only desire and an emotion that she couldn’t identify.
“I will be here sometime after midnight, more than likely around one. Now, shall we go back downstairs before your reputation is in shambles?”
She knew what he said was true. If they didn’t go downstairs now, people would think they were up here having sex. Since she was a widow, society wouldn’t frown upon her taking a lover. They would frown upon her doing it before the justifiable time: when everyone had retired and the bed hopping had started.
“Very well. But I assure you that my door will be locked tonight.”
“We shall see, Your Grace, we shall see.”
* * *
The first person they saw when they came downstairs was Belinda. She stood at the doorway to the library, her gaze roaming around as if in search of something. It didn’t take long for her to see Clarissa, and behind her, Andrew. She hurried toward them, an evil grin on her face.
His Party Guest Page 3